U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested a Ugandan national, Jimmy Kimera, during a targeted immigration enforcement operation in Hudson, Massachusetts.
In a statement shared on October 27, 2026, ICE Boston identified Kimera as a criminal undocumented immigrant from Uganda, saying officers apprehended him during operations targeting individuals accused of criminal activity.
The arrest comes amid an intensified immigration enforcement campaign by the Trump administration, with federal authorities targeting undocumented immigrants with criminal records across Massachusetts.
Court records reviewed during the investigation show that Kimera was previously charged in connection with an alleged assault at a group home in Waltham, Massachusetts.
A civil complaint filed in Middlesex Superior Court in September 2024 by Carol and Brian O’Neill alleged that Kimera assaulted their son, Sean O’Neill, at the Maple House group home on March 16, 2022.
The complaint stated that the alleged incident was supported by video evidence and referred to a criminal assault case filed against Kimera under Middlesex Superior Court Criminal Action No. 2281CR00281.
However, the civil complaint does not establish whether Kimera was subsequently convicted of the alleged offence. Trellis Law
Kimera also features in federal court proceedings in Rhode Island after filing a habeas corpus petition on September 18, 2026, challenging his continued immigration detention without a bond hearing.
On September 30, U.S. District Judge Melissa R. DuBose granted his petition, ruling that he was entitled to a bond hearing.
The court ordered immigration authorities to release him pending the bond hearing and directed the government to report whether he was subsequently granted bond.
The ruling did not determine his immigration status or dismiss the criminal allegations against him. Habeas Dockets
Kimera’s arrest comes against the backdrop of increased ICE operations in Massachusetts.
On October 19, ICE Boston announced that it had arrested 82 undocumented immigrants during a three-day targeted enforcement operation conducted in southeastern Massachusetts the previous month.
According to the agency, those arrested had criminal histories involving offences ranging from assault and battery to child-related sexual offences, extortion, strangulation and driving under the influence.
Acting ICE Boston Field Office Director Joseph Sher criticised Massachusetts sanctuary policies, arguing that they undermine federal efforts to detain individuals facing criminal allegations.
